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General discussion

Do you prefer brand-name or generic computers?

Apr 20, 2005 4:37AM PDT

Do you prefer brand-name or generic computers?

Brand name (tell us why)
Generic (tell us why)
Either one, makes no difference
None, I prefer the ones I build myself (tell us why)

Discussion is locked

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Why Brand Namers;
Apr 22, 2005 2:33AM PDT

Well it has more to do with warrenty then anything else.
All parts are made by the same manufactures, they are rated by how well they meet specs. The parts are than sold to whichever brandname or generic company, that pays the price. It's in the area of warrenty where the brand-
name wins out over generic. If you treat your machine nice it should work okay, the only difference would be length of time before breakdown. Possibley in the speed of operation. Building your own works only if you have the money, time, and knowledge to do it right. And that's the way it is.

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I prefer brand-name
Apr 22, 2005 2:34AM PDT

My preference is because there is only one brand with this OS and that is Apple. Have had one for over 20 years and won't buy anything else. We Apple fanatics are just that, fanatics.

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I am an AMD Fanatic hehe
Apr 22, 2005 9:26AM PDT

But good for you.

As long as you are not an intel die hard that fine with me Happy

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I prefer generic
Apr 22, 2005 2:56AM PDT

I prefer generic computers because brand name computers usually come with 'junk' which cannot be removed and uses up precious hard drive space.

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cannot?
Apr 26, 2005 11:46AM PDT

these custom builders really have you trained! That "junk" CAN be removed. If you can build a PC, You can tweak a name brand PC to your specific needs and vice versa. Regardless of how windows is wrapped, it is STILL windows and if you know how to use it, it will perform the same in any box.

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I prefer brand name...
Apr 22, 2005 3:03AM PDT

When buying a computer, I have found that building a computer is enjoyable thought costly. If you can get a generic Pc, with brand name components...go for it.
Though the rewards are much better if you buy used from a repair shop and also buy name brand. May cost less or may cost more depending on your preference.

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Build Your Own
Apr 22, 2005 3:17AM PDT

One problem. If you build one, you'll be hooked!
There's always something new to try, now that you
know how easy it really is,and begin to wonder what
those guys at the computer repair shop charge so much
for doing. Your never going to build one for the
price Dell gets. Have fun!

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i prefer brand name computers because...
Apr 22, 2005 3:53AM PDT

i have always lived in small towns and i have learned , that one can only get service for a small number of brand name computers.

i hate to ship my computer half way around the world for service, repairs and warranty work.

no matter how good a product is, in the end it's only as good as the service that we get for it.

have a nice day

hitsch

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I prefer machines I build
Apr 22, 2005 4:23AM PDT

I prefer the machines I build... I get exactly what I want. My machines are extremely exandable..unlike cheap brand machines. Mine are always faster than other available computers. I don't have to deal with bad parts that are sold in bulk to other builders (ala the 60 gig hard drive fiasco of a few years ago) I know what goes into each machine. I know they are compatable with my application. And because I have more than a couple of these machines, I always have a quick spare part that is a perfect fit.

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Do you prefer brand-name or generic computers?
Apr 22, 2005 4:42AM PDT

I prefer to build my own computers. That way, you know exactly what is going into the computer and you have the option of having everything "top-of-the-line" or having a "mutt". I purchased a Dell as my first computer several years ago, then built one of my own shortly thereafter. Needless to say, the mother board in my Dell fried shortly after the warranty was up (figures), but my home built is still running strong. Not to mention the fact that I was extremely limited on how much I could upgrade my Dell. The only thing limiting me on my "mutt" is myself and my finances.

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For now, Custom Computer
Apr 22, 2005 6:12AM PDT

I prefer building a custom computer for a lot of reasons:-

1) Just like a car, you can mod your computer and/or build your own. Nothing beats the feeling of making and completing your own project, done by yourself Happy

2) Too much unnecessary software installed on brand PCs. It makes the top-of-the-line Pentium 4 seem like a Pentium 2, ewwww.

3) To have a better understanding of your computer, it is best to learn through experience by building your own and then installing all the software. These skills will help you troubleshoot your PC and you can help others with their PC problems (might need a double latte, though Wink

4)One of the problems I've seen with some Brand PCs is that they come with "Brand Specialty Software", like GigaPocket for Sony Vaio. You have no choice but to use their software unless you want to go through the long process of configuring 3rd party software (Sony MPEG Hardware Engine, what kind of card is that??). You cannot download the software from the Sony Website, you have to pay extra money for their application CD.


Basically, it's the difference between buying a Corolla(low-end brand PC), an RX 430(high-end brand PC), or a hot rod(Custom PC). The price of the Corolla is cheap compared to a hot rod, but the features you get with the RX 430 are sweet, some of which you can't buy anywhere else. But, of course, you can skip both and get a hot rod and put in whatever you want. I hope that last paragraph made sense, LOL!

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RX 430?
Apr 26, 2005 11:57AM PDT

I fix cars for a living and I never heard of an RX 430!
(maybe available outside the US)The Corolla is a extremely reliable unit(as is anything toyota builds).

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Generic computer? For a gamer? Don't think so.
Apr 22, 2005 6:25AM PDT

The ansver is simpel, the computers I build don't exist on "the shelf" in ANY store. Alienware comes close, but not close enough.My riggs are rebuilt every two years.And "Moores Law" got nothing to do whit it <grin>

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build or buy
Apr 22, 2005 8:29AM PDT

I like the idea of building my own PC because you can pick and choose what components you want.It really isn't that hard if you take the time to do it .
P.S. It also helps if you have someone who has done it before to help you as I did. Good luck, bryan

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none i prefer the once i build myself
Apr 22, 2005 8:55AM PDT

I like to build them my self that way i can pick out the case and what i want in it and if it dont work the way i want its my own fault not some one else and you also learn how to fix any hardware problems to i get more satisfaction out of I built it myself .

thanks
bowlman

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It's all about quality and customization
Apr 22, 2005 9:13AM PDT

When I build my own PC, I can 'cherry-pick' for the best parts without having a corporate bean-counter looking over my shoulder, telling me to cut costs. I use round cables for better air circulation, even though they cost more than a standard ATA/IDE ribbon cable. The mass manufacturers live by the credo of Samuel Goldwyn who said, "Spare no expense to make everything as economical as possible."
I also get to customize the PC for the application it will serve. My daughter needed a PC with extra cooling for her non-air conditioned dorm room. Do you think any of the mass manufacturers build one like that? Or one that has an 6-way digital card reader? How about one with a video card with an RF tuner?
A lot of the folks who buy the 'off-the-shelf' PCs eventually call me to ask how they can customize their system, or worse, how to replace a failed component.

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Do you prefer brand-name or generic computers?
Apr 22, 2005 10:11AM PDT

Prefer to build up myself as have run into problems with expandability. Often avilability of expansion slots are limited. Under powered etc

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I prefer to build my own PC.
Apr 22, 2005 10:29AM PDT

Back in the early 90's I built my first computer. Before that I went thru the Vic 20, Comadore 64 etc. Feeling I needed a newer computer and faster one, I bought a Gateway. It was nice at first, but when I had a problem, Gateway tried to help but when I went to reload my system everything was Gateway. I was unable to reload their Windows 98 which I had upgraded to SE. It seemed everything was tied to Gateway. Finally after the hard drive went over the hill, my wife convinced me to purchase a Dell from a friend of her's that sold them. I purchased a Dell Dimensions 4600 with XP Pro. Some how I got a virus and was unable to get rid of it, except by reloading the system again. Again I found everything tied to Dell. Actually I received more assistance in reloading the system from my DSL supplier, BellSouth. I had a hard time understanding the Dell rep. and never did get any satisfaction from them. Since it came with a 30 meg HD, the next time I had problems, I installed a 80med HD and reloaded most everything I wanted. It is now working fine, but so is my original PC which I built a long time ago. I have since gotten a new case, mobo etc. and I am building my own system again. The Dell will be my game machine, the Gateway is being rebuild, probably replace the board and chip and just use the case and give it to a friend. I still have my old PC on my network along with a laptop, the Dell and soon my homebuild computer.

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I prefer to build my own computer
Apr 22, 2005 11:53AM PDT

Building your own computer lets you match CPU and other parts of the computer much better than buying off the shelf. Buying a pre-made computer does not let a person choose what is best suited for what the computer is being used for. This is only good if you know how computers tick.

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Generic vs. Brand Name vs. Build-it-yourself PCs
Apr 22, 2005 12:13PM PDT

I voted for "Generic" because for the past 4+ years I have had a local business put together two PCs for me. I have been very happy with both of them; I got the components that I wanted at a price that was reasonable, i.e., better than what it would have cost me to buy the same system already put together by a brand-name company.

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I prefer a name-brand computer
Apr 22, 2005 4:37PM PDT

I bought an Apple IMac 233 for my first (and current) computer - I like to have a solid company to stand behind my computer, and in my case an aftermarket (through zones.com) extended warranty was worth the cost - my logic board failed between years 3 and 4, when the Apple extended warranty would have already been expired. I like to know I can get replacement parts from either a solid company, or from a good solid network of suppliers, like from other mac websites.

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Do you prefer brand-name or generic computers?
Apr 22, 2005 6:27PM PDT

The biggest plus for bying brand name is the after sales service/support. Although not perfect, the brand names are more reliable when the inevitable glitch happens. Having owned both I know this as fact & most recently had phone support on an old Gateway Notebook (The company quite Australia over 5 years ago).

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Generic Brand Works better for me!
Apr 23, 2005 2:19AM PDT

Whe I bought my last computer, I had it built by local company and I was able to save over $1000.00 compared to the large brand names and I can get local service in a very short time. Compared to dealing with some faceless phone Tech in who knows where.

--Bob

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Band name, of course
Apr 23, 2005 3:36AM PDT

I have been working in the microelectronics industry during five teen years, and as you probably know all the devices are tested. And the devices has categories according to the tests they have passed. First category, second category and so on.
Do you think one mother board is the same inside a Dell computer or in a Low Prices Store?
No of course.
Cheers.

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brand name or generic
Apr 23, 2005 5:41AM PDT

Ilike brand names for the reason that if any problems arise you knpw for sure that name brand co. will likelt still be in buisness.

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prefer to build
Apr 23, 2005 8:28AM PDT

so I can customize it, get what i want in terms of audio and video cards, proper processor and O/S without all the addditional advertising junk that is placed on the so called 'start up disc of a preloaded PC.

In addtion when everything is on board there is little room for addition except for additional RAM.

david williams

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Prefer To Build
Apr 23, 2005 2:21PM PDT

I prefer to build for a few reasons:
Quality control
Cost, I am able to put higher end parts than MOST OEM's use (Voodoo, Alienware and other botiques are mostly excused (Except that oddly none of them have adopted DFI's nF4 SLI-DR over the Asus Deluxe board (the DFI is considered by many to be better for performance tweaking/performance tuning)
Customization, with my computer custom built I control every part in the machine, down to the last screw, and i'm able to customize it to the limits...

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cnet question ...brand name or generic?
Apr 23, 2005 5:39PM PDT

I both prefer and recommend brand name for the simple reason that a brand name product is sold with a complete user package which includes customer support.
Builders of generic computers offer neither. If you build your own computer and the power supply fails, your stuck with a hole in your pocket because this, like most computer build items is non-returnable. If this same item fails on a brand name computer, you've got a warranty to fall back on; you won't be out of pocket.

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None, I prefer the ones I build myself
Apr 24, 2005 3:15AM PDT

I just prefer to build my own, then I learn more about the machine, it's components and I'm able to install and set up the way I prefer instead of having a lot of unnecessary stuff I'll never use and may cause me problems later & I can control the quality of my components this way.
It sure isn't to save money because I always end up getting just a little bit better component than I had used in my plans or as in most cases a lot better.
For ME I want to continue learning, and staying abreast of new developements...you'll do that if you continue to build your own.

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I prefer the computers I build myself.
Apr 24, 2005 8:35PM PDT

That way I get the performance and parts I want
at the best prices.